Ep 8. Explosion at Sea

Deep Sea Detectives season 2 episode 8, titled "Explosion at Sea," is a riveting investigation into a maritime disaster that occurred off the coast of New Jersey. The episode is set in 1942, during the height of World War II, when German U-boats were prowling the Atlantic Ocean, looking for opportunities to sink Allied ships.

The story begins on May 2, 1942, when the American tanker R.P. Resor is torpedoed by a German U-boat. The ship explodes and sinks, killing all 31 crew members on board. The explosion is so powerful that it is heard for miles around and damages nearby buildings on the New Jersey shore.

The Deep Sea Detectives team, led by underwater archaeologist John Chatterton and historian Richie Kohler, sets out to investigate the wreckage of the R.P. Resor and piece together what happened on that fateful day. Using sophisticated sonar and diving equipment, the team explores the ocean floor and discovers the remains of the ship, which has been split in two by the force of the explosion.

As they examine the wreckage, the team uncovers a number of clues that help them reconstruct the events leading up to the ship's sinking. They find evidence of the torpedo impact, including a jagged hole in the hull of the ship and fragments of the torpedo itself. They also find signs of a massive explosion, including twisted metal and debris scattered across the ocean floor.

Through interviews with surviving family members of the crew, as well as archival footage and documents, the team paints a picture of what life was like for the sailors on board the R.P. Resor and the challenges they faced during wartime. They also explore the tactics used by German U-boats, which were responsible for sinking thousands of ships during the war.

As the investigation unfolds, the Deep Sea Detectives team faces a number of challenges, including dangerous underwater conditions, unexpected setbacks, and conflicting evidence. But their perseverance and expertise ultimately lead them to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that occurred more than 70 years ago.

"Explosion at Sea" is a compelling episode that combines historical research, underwater exploration, and human drama to create a vivid portrait of life during wartime. The Deep Sea Detectives team's dedication to uncovering the truth behind this long-forgotten tragedy is inspiring, and the episode serves as a fitting tribute to the sailors who lost their lives on the R.P. Resor.